Clothing Size Finder — Your Size in Every Brand

The circumference around the fullest part of the bust, usually across the nipples. This is the "Bust" on every women's size chart.

1. Wear a non-padded, non-push-up bra that fits, or the bra you will wear with the garment.
2. Stand straight, feet together, arms relaxed at your sides.
3. Raise one arm, pass the tape round your back and under the armpits, then lower the arm.
4. Bring the tape across the fullest point of the bust (the apex).
5. Check in a mirror from the side: the tape must be horizontal, the same height at the back as across the apex.
6. Let the tape rest on the skin without pressing in, breathe out normally and read where the end meets the tape.

• Wear: thin top or just a bra; never over a jumper.
• Helper: useful to check the back stays level.
• Round: to the nearest 0.5 cm (¼ in).

Men vs women: Men: use Chest instead; see below.

The circumference directly under the bust, in the fold where the bra band sits. It sets the bra band size and is used with full bust for cup size.

1. Wear a non-padded bra or none.
2. Stand straight, arms relaxed.
3. Put the tape around your ribcage directly under the bust, in the crease.
4. Check it is horizontal all round, especially at the back.
5. Pull it snug against the ribcage, firmer than for full bust: this is a support measurement.
6. Breathe out and read it.

• Wear: bra or nothing.
• Helper: not needed; use a mirror.
• Round: to the nearest 0.5 cm (¼ in).

Men vs women: Women only. Men do not need this.

The circumference high under the armpits, above the bust. Used to pick a top or blouse size when the cup is larger than B, then adjusted for the bust.

1. Stand straight, arms relaxed.
2. Pass the tape high under both armpits.
3. At the front keep it above the bust tissue, across the upper chest.
4. At the back it sits across the shoulder blades, slightly higher than full bust.
5. Keep it snug, breathe normally and read it.

• Wear: thin top or bra.
• Helper: helpful to keep it high at the back.
• Round: to the nearest 0.5 cm.

Men vs women: Women only.

The bust point (apex) is the fullest, most forward point of each breast. This measurement runs from the highest point of the shoulder, next to the neck, straight down to that point. Tailors use it to place darts and the bust line in blouses, saree blouses and dresses.

1. Wear the bra you will wear with the garment.
2. Stand straight, shoulders relaxed, facing a mirror.
3. Find the highest point of the shoulder where it meets the neck (where a bag strap sits).
4. Hold the tape end there and let it fall straight down over the collarbone.
5. Read it at the bust point, the most forward point of the bust.

• Wear: your usual bra.
• Helper: easier with a helper.
• Round: to the nearest 0.5 cm.

Men vs women: Women only; mostly for tailored blouses and dresses.

The straight distance between the two bust points (the fullest point of each breast). Tailors use it to space the darts in fitted blouses, saree blouses and bodices.

1. Wear the bra you will wear with the garment.
2. Stand straight facing a mirror, arms relaxed.
3. Find the fullest point of each breast.
4. Measure straight across from one point to the other, without pressing into the gap between.

• Helper: easier with a helper.
• Round: to the nearest 0.5 cm.

Men vs women: Women only; mostly for tailored blouses.

The circumference around the broadest part of the chest, under the armpits, across the nipples and the shoulder blades. This is the "Chest" on men's charts.

1. Take off your shirt or wear a thin T-shirt.
2. Stand straight, feet together, arms relaxed.
3. Lift your arms, pass the tape around your back under the armpits, lower your arms.
4. At the front, the tape goes across the nipples; at the back, across the shoulder blades.
5. Check in a mirror from the side that it is horizontal.
6. Breathe out normally, do not puff the chest, and read it.

• Wear: nothing or a thin T-shirt.
• Helper: makes it easier to keep the back level.
• Round: to the nearest 0.5 cm (¼ in).

Men vs women: Women: use Full bust.

The circumference high under the armpits. Some tailors use it for shirts and blazers when the chest is muscular.

1. Stand straight, arms relaxed.
2. Pass the tape as high as it goes under both armpits.
3. Keep it just below the collarbone at the front.
4. Read it snug, breathing normally.

• Round: to the nearest 0.5 cm.

Men vs women: Men; women use High bust.

The circumference of the ribcage just below the chest muscles. Used for fitted shirts, vests, compression tops and to check how much a shirt should taper.

1. Take off your shirt or wear a thin T-shirt.
2. Stand straight, arms relaxed at your sides.
3. Find the lower edge of the chest muscle (pectoral) at the front.
4. Wrap the tape round the ribcage at that level, below the shoulder blades at the back.
5. Check it is horizontal in a mirror, breathe out normally and read it.

• Wear: nothing or a thin T-shirt.
• Round: to the nearest 0.5 cm.

Men vs women: Men; women use Underbust.

The narrowest part of the torso, between the bottom of the ribs and the top of the hip bones, usually 2–3 cm above the belly button. This is "Waist" on most body size charts.

1. Stand straight, feet together, stomach relaxed.
2. Bend sideways: the crease that forms is your natural waist.
3. Wrap the tape round at that crease, horizontal all round.
4. Breathe out normally; do not pull your stomach in.
5. Read it with the tape resting on the skin.

• Wear: nothing or underwear; not over jeans.
• Round: to the nearest 0.5 cm.

Men vs women: Men often have a less defined waist: use the level of the belly button if no crease forms.

The line where your body creases when you bend to the side. Tailors call it the true waist and use it to place the waist seam of dresses, suits and kurtas. On many people it sits 1–3 cm below the narrowest point.

1. Stand straight, feet together, and tie a thin string or elastic loosely round your middle.
2. Bend to one side: the crease that forms is your true waist. Let the string settle into it.
3. Stand straight again and breathe out normally.
4. Measure round your body along the string, keeping the tape horizontal.

• Wear: underwear or a thin top tucked in.
• Helper: not needed.
• Round: to the nearest 0.5 cm.

Men vs women: Same method; on men it is often at the navel, on women slightly above.

Between the natural waist and the jeans waist, about at the belly button. For high-waisted trousers, skirts and palazzos.

1. Stand straight, stomach relaxed.
2. Wrap the tape around at the belly button level.
3. Keep it horizontal and read it.

• Round: to the nearest 0.5 cm.

Men vs women: Same for men and women.

Where the waistband of jeans or trousers actually sits, usually at or just above the hip bones. Use this for jeans, chinos and trousers.

1. Put on jeans that fit you well and note where the waistband sits.
2. Take them off and measure your body at that same height, usually across the top of the hip bones.
3. Keep the tape horizontal and resting on the skin.
4. Breathe normally and read it.

• Round: to the nearest 0.5 cm; in inches, round up to the next whole inch for jeans (W sizes).

Men vs women: Same method for men and women; women's trousers are often cut higher.

Around the top of the hip bones, about 8–10 cm below the natural waist. Useful for low-rise trousers and fitted skirts.

1. Find the bony top of your hips with your fingers.
2. Wrap the tape round at that level.
3. Keep it horizontal and read it.

• Round: to the nearest 0.5 cm.

Men vs women: Same for men and women.

The circumference around the fullest part of the hips and seat, usually 18–23 cm below the natural waist. This is "Hips" on size charts.

1. Stand with feet together, weight on both legs.
2. Stand side-on to a mirror and find the most prominent part of the seat.
3. Wrap the tape round at that height, over the seat and the front of the hips.
4. Check it is horizontal and not riding up at the back.
5. Read it with the tape resting on the skin.

• Wear: underwear or thin leggings; empty your pockets.
• Round: to the nearest 0.5 cm.

Men vs women: Women usually have the fullest point lower and further back; men measure across the seat the same way.

The circumference around the most prominent part of the bottom, checked from the side. Trouser and skirt makers use it for seat room; on many people it is a few centimetres lower than the widest hip.

1. Stand with feet together, weight on both legs.
2. Stand side-on to a mirror and find the most prominent point of your bottom.
3. Wrap the tape round at that height, across the front of the hips and upper thighs.
4. Keep it horizontal all the way round; check the front does not dip.
5. Read it with the tape resting on the skin, not pulling.

• Wear: underwear or thin leggings; empty your pockets.
• Helper: helpful to check the back.
• Round: to the nearest 0.5 cm.

Men vs women: On women the seat is usually lower and fuller; method is the same.

The length of the inner leg from the crotch to the ankle bone. Sets trouser length ("L" in W32 L32).

1. Take off shoes and stand straight, feet about 15 cm apart.
2. Hold the end of the tape at the crotch; a helper can hold it at the top of the inner thigh.
3. Let the tape run straight down the inside of the leg, not following the curve.
4. Read it at the ankle bone (or where you want the hem).

• Wear: fitted underwear or leggings.
• Helper: recommended.
• Round: to the nearest 0.5 cm; in inches, round to the nearest inch for jeans.

Men vs women: Same method for men and women.

The inner seam of trousers that fit you well, from the crotch seam to the hem. Often more reliable than a body inseam.

1. Pick trousers with the length you like.
2. Lay them flat, front up, legs straight.
3. Measure along the inner seam of one leg from the crotch seam to the bottom of the hem.

• Round: to the nearest 0.5 cm.

Men vs women: Same for everyone.

The side length of trousers, from the waistband down the outside of the leg to the ankle. For trousers, joggers and shorts.

1. Stand straight without shoes.
2. Hold the tape at the side of your waist where your waistband sits.
3. Let it fall straight down the outside of the leg to the ankle bone.
4. Read it without bending.

• Round: to the nearest 0.5 cm.

Men vs women: Same for men and women.

From the crotch up the front to the waistband. Decides low, mid or high rise.

1. Easiest on trousers that fit: from the crotch seam up the front to the top of the waistband.
2. On the body: from between the legs up the front to where you wear your waistband, with a helper.

• Round: to the nearest 0.5 cm.

Men vs women: Women's trousers usually have a longer front rise for high-rise styles.

From the crotch up the back over the seat to the waistband. Usually longer than the front rise.

1. On trousers: from the crotch seam up the back seam to the top of the waistband.
2. On the body: a helper runs the tape from between the legs up over the seat to the waistband.

• Round: to the nearest 0.5 cm.

Men vs women: Women and curvier men may need a longer back rise.

The full loop from the front waistband, down between the legs and up to the back waistband. It is front rise plus back rise, and decides how much room trousers have in the crotch.

1. Wear fitted underwear or leggings and tie a string at your jeans waist.
2. Hold the tape at the string at the centre front.
3. Pass it down between the legs, close to the body but not pulling up.
4. Bring it up the back over the seat to the string at the centre back.
5. Read the total; to split it, note the reading at the crotch point.

• Helper: recommended.
• Round: to the nearest 0.5 cm.

Men vs women: Same method; women's back rise is usually a larger share of the total.

The circumference of one thigh at its widest, just below the crotch. Helps choose slim or relaxed cuts.

1. Stand with weight on both legs, muscles relaxed.
2. Wrap the tape around the top of one thigh, 2–3 cm below the crotch.
3. Keep it horizontal and read it.

• Round: to the nearest 0.5 cm.

Men vs women: Same method for men and women.

The circumference around the knee at the middle of the kneecap, with the leg straight. Used for slim and skinny trousers, boots and knee supports.

1. Stand straight with weight on both legs, knee straight but not locked.
2. Find the middle of the kneecap.
3. Wrap the tape round the knee at that level.
4. Keep it horizontal; it should rest on the skin without pressing.
5. Read it; measure the other knee too and use the larger.

• Wear: shorts.
• Round: to the nearest 0.5 cm.

Men vs women: Same method.

The circumference around the widest part of the lower leg. Used for leggings, skinny jeans, tall boots and compression socks.

1. Stand with weight on both feet.
2. Look in a mirror from the side to find the fullest part of the calf.
3. Wrap the tape round at that height, horizontal.
4. Read it snug, without squeezing.

• Wear: shorts.
• Round: to the nearest 0.5 cm.

Men vs women: Same method.

The circumference just above the ankle bones. Used for leggings, joggers with cuffs, socks and the narrowest leg opening that will still go over your foot.

1. Stand with weight on both feet.
2. Find the ankle bones on the inside and outside.
3. Wrap the tape just above them, horizontal.
4. Read it resting on the skin.

• Round: to the nearest 0.5 cm.

Men vs women: Same method.

The width of the trouser hem. Measure a pair that fits: lay it flat and measure straight across the hem, then double it for the full circumference.

1. Lay the trousers flat with the hem smooth.
2. Measure straight across the bottom of one leg, edge to edge.
3. Double the number for the full opening.
4. Compare it with a brand's "leg opening" or "hem" measurement.

• Round: to the nearest 0.5 cm.

Men vs women: Same method.

The width across the back from one shoulder point to the other. The shoulder point is the bony tip at the end of the shoulder, where the sleeve seam should sit.

1. Stand straight, arms relaxed, shoulders not rolled forward.
2. The helper finds the bony tip of each shoulder with their fingers.
3. They measure across the back from tip to tip, letting the tape follow the slight curve over the base of the neck.

• Wear: thin T-shirt.
• Helper: needed.
• Round: to the nearest 0.5 cm.

Men vs women: Men's shoulders are usually wider; the method is the same.

The width across the front of the chest, from one front arm crease to the other, about 5 cm below the collarbone. Used for blazers, shirts and blouses that pull across the front.

1. Stand straight with arms relaxed at your sides.
2. Find where each arm meets the body at the front: the arm crease.
3. Measure straight across the chest from crease to crease, about 5 cm below the collarbone.
4. Keep the tape flat, not dipping.

• Helper: recommended.
• Round: to the nearest 0.5 cm.

Men vs women: Women: measure above the bust tissue.

The length of one shoulder, from the side of the base of the neck to the shoulder bone tip. It is where the shoulder seam of a shirt or blouse lies.

1. Stand straight, shoulders relaxed.
2. Find the base of the neck at the side, where a necklace chain lies.
3. Find the bony tip at the end of the shoulder.
4. Measure along the top of the shoulder between the two points.

• Helper: recommended.
• Round: to the nearest 0.5 cm.

Men vs women: Men's is usually longer; method is the same.

From the shoulder point down the outside of the arm, over the elbow, to the wrist bone. For jackets, T-shirts and knitwear.

1. Rest your hand on your hip so the elbow bends slightly.
2. Start at the bony tip of the shoulder.
3. Run the tape over the outside of the elbow down to the bony bump on the outside of the wrist.

• Helper: recommended.
• Round: to the nearest 0.5 cm.

Men vs women: Same for men and women.

From the bump at the back of the neck, over the shoulder point and down the arm to the wrist. Formal shirts often list this.

1. Bend your head forward: the bump that sticks out at the base of the neck is the C7 bone.
2. Stand straight, hand on hip.
3. The helper runs the tape from C7 to the shoulder point, then down the arm to the wrist bone.

• Helper: needed.
• Round: to the nearest 0.5 cm (½ in for shirts).

Men vs women: Mostly for men's formal shirts.

The circumference of the upper arm at its widest, about halfway between shoulder and elbow. Used for fitted shirts, blouses, saree blouses and jackets.

1. Let the arm hang relaxed, slightly away from the body; do not flex.
2. Find the widest part of the upper arm, about halfway to the elbow.
3. Wrap the tape round, perpendicular to the arm.
4. Read it resting on the skin; add about 1 cm if you like room to move.

• Helper: makes it easier.
• Round: to the nearest 0.5 cm.

Men vs women: Same method.

The circumference around the wrist just above the wrist bone. Used for shirt cuffs, bangles and watches.

1. Hold the arm relaxed.
2. Find the wrist bone on the outside of the wrist.
3. Wrap the tape round just above it, towards the hand.
4. Read it snug; for cuffs add 2–3 cm.

• Round: to the nearest 0.5 cm.

Men vs women: Same method.

The loop around the top of the arm where it joins the body: over the shoulder tip and under the armpit. Tailors use it for blouse and kurta armholes; it decides if a sleeve feels tight.

1. Let the arm hang relaxed, slightly away from the body.
2. Put the tape over the top of the shoulder at the shoulder tip.
3. Bring both ends down, front and back, and meet under the armpit.
4. Read it snug, with one finger under the tape.

• Helper: needed.
• Round: to the nearest 0.5 cm.

Men vs women: Same method.

The circumference around the base of the neck, where a shirt collar sits. Used for formal shirt collar sizes.

1. Stand straight, looking ahead, not down.
2. Wrap the tape around the base of the neck; for men, just over the Adam's apple.
3. Slip one finger under the tape and read it.

• Round: up to the next 0.5 in (1 cm) for shirt collars.

Men vs women: Mainly for men's shirts.

A loop from the top of the shoulder by the neck, down the front, between the legs and up the back to the same point.

1. Stand straight, feet slightly apart.
2. Start on top of one shoulder, halfway between neck and shoulder point.
3. Run the tape down over the bust or chest, between the legs and up the back.
4. Bring it back over the shoulder blade to the start point and read it, snug, not slack.

• Helper: needed.
• Round: to the nearest 1 cm.

Men vs women: Women: go over the bust apex.

From the highest point of the shoulder next to the neck, down over the bust or chest, to the natural waist at the front. Used for tops, dresses and kurtas so the waist seam sits at your waist.

1. Tie a string round your natural waist.
2. Stand straight, shoulders relaxed.
3. Hold the tape at the highest point of the shoulder, next to the neck.
4. Let it fall over the fullest part of the chest or bust down to the string.
5. Read it at the string.

• Wear: thin top and your usual bra.
• Helper: recommended.
• Round: to the nearest 0.5 cm.

Men vs women: Women: the tape passes over the bust point, so it is longer than on men of the same height.

From the highest point of the shoulder next to the neck, down the back over the shoulder blade, to the natural waist. Used for jackets, tops and blouses.

1. Tie a string round your natural waist.
2. Stand straight, looking ahead.
3. A helper holds the tape at the highest point of the shoulder by the neck.
4. They let it fall straight down the back over the shoulder blade to the string.
5. Read it at the string.

• Helper: needed.
• Round: to the nearest 0.5 cm.

Men vs women: Same method.

From the C7 neck bone straight down the spine to the natural waist. For jackets and tailored tops.

1. Tie a string round your natural waist as a marker.
2. Bend your head forward to find the C7 bone, then stand straight.
3. The helper measures straight down the spine from C7 to the string.

• Helper: needed.
• Round: to the nearest 0.5 cm.

Men vs women: Same for men and women.

Your standing height without shoes.

1. Take off shoes; flatten hair buns or clips.
2. Stand with heels, seat, shoulders and head against a wall, feet together.
3. Look straight ahead.
4. Slide a flat book down the wall onto your head and mark the wall under it.
5. Measure from the floor to the mark.

• Helper: helpful.
• Round: to the nearest 1 cm or ½ in.

Men vs women: Same for everyone.

Your body weight on a scale.

1. Place the scale on a hard, flat floor (not carpet).
2. Weigh in light clothes without shoes, ideally in the morning.
3. Stand still in the middle of the scale and read it.

• Round: to the nearest 0.5 kg or 1 lb.

Men vs women: Same for everyone.